“I have watched it a thousand times” – Julian Alvarez reacts to penalty controversy
Last week, Real Madrid made it into the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Atletico Madrid – but it was not without controversy. It took a penalty shoot-out for the teams to the separated across two legs, and in that, Los Blancos walked away with a 4-2 success, but it could have been so different had it not been for VAR intervention.
Atleti striker Julian Alvarez was flagged for a “double-touch” penalty during the shoot-out. His effort was scored, but after a VAR review, it was deemed that he has touched the ball with both feet, and because of this, it was annulled.
Atleti were furious about this, and many neutrals have also expressed unease about the decision – and it has led to conversations about whether the rule needs to be changed.
Alvarez himself has now addressed the matter in an interview with ESPN (via Sport). He admitted that he did not feel that the ball had touched his left foot, and he also expressed a desire for the rule to be changed by UEFA/FIFA.
“I have watched it a thousand times, there are videos everywhere. The truth is that I don’t feel the touch, because if there were two touches, the contact is minimal and it is very difficult to perceive it.
“I think the rule has to be a little clearer because I don’t try to take any advantage and if the goalkeeper is off his line when he makes a save, the penalty is repeated. This is not to take any advantage. It’s a shame what happened.”
The matter has certainly left a bad taste in Atletico Madrid’s mouth, as they lost another Champions League match-up against their bitter rivals. Alvarez and his teammates must now contend themselves with fighting for success in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Topics
-
Atletico vs Real Madrid penalty drama: Why Julian Alvarez’s spot kick was ruled out by VAR
Atlético Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League by bitter rivals Real Madrid in hugely controversial circumstances after the VAR ruled out Julián Alvarez’s penalty kick in the shoot-out.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
Why Julian Alvarez's penalty kick did not count as Atletico Madrid lose to Real Madrid in penalty shootout
Real Madrid beat Atletico 4-2 on penalties in the round of 16, and there was some controversy to go along with itCBS Sports - Mar. 13 -
Real Madrid advance amongst controversy + Deyna Castellanos debuts her signature shoe
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Real Madrid’s controversial Champions League win against inner-city rival, Atletico Madrid. The boys debate whether or not Julian Alvarez’s double ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
'So unfortunate' - why Alvarez's penalty was ruled out
MOTD pundits analyse Julian Alvarez's "unfortunate" double-touch penalty that was disallowed for Atletico Madrid in their dramatic penalty shootout loss to rivals Real in the Champions League.BBC News - Mar. 13 -
Uefa to discuss penalty rules after Alvarez 'miss'
Uefa says it will enter discussions with football's lawmakers over rules around penalties after Julian Alvarez's spot kick was controversially disallowed in Atletico Madrid's Champions League exit.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
Barcelona midifelder weighs in on Alvarez’s disallowed penalty against Real Madrid – ‘Repeat it’
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has weighed in on one of the biggest talking points in football right now—the controversial decision to disallow Julian Alvarez’s penalty during the UEFA Champions League...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
The double-kick penalty that cost Atletico Madrid in shootout
Julian Alvarez's penalty in the shootout between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid is ruled out after he slips and is deemed to have hit the ball twice in one movement.BBC News - Mar. 12 -
Uefa to discuss penalty rules with lawmakers after Alvarez miss
Uefa says it will enter discussions with football's lawmakers over rules around penalties after Julian Alvarez's spot kick was controversially disallowed in Atletico Madrid's Champions League exit.BBC News - Mar. 13 -
Real Madrid midfielder puts in an encouraging performance against Atletico Madrid to correct his recent erratic course
Real Madrid paved their way to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after having to endure 210 minutes of gruelling play and a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out against Atletico Madrid in ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
More from Yahoo Sports
-
2026 RB Wright plans to return to West Virginia
Gibraltar (Mi.) Carlson 2026 RB Izaiah Wright has been to West Virginia before but plans to return for another look.Yahoo Sports - 8m -
Is former All-Pro wide receiver an option for Commanders?
Could former All-Pro receiver be an option for Commanders.Yahoo Sports - 9m -
Steelers 7-round mock draft update: No QB edition
This new mock draft passes on a quarterback for the SteelersYahoo Sports - 9m -
New mock draft hits the mark for the Steelers
New mock draft hits the mark for the Steelers in the 1st round.Yahoo Sports - 9m -
F1 Chinese GP LIVE: Oscar Piastri leads as Lewis Hamilton told to move aside for Charles Leclerc
Follow updates from the Shanghai International Circuit as Piastri leads a McLaren one-twoYahoo Sports - 9m
More in Sports
-
Women's March Madness 2025: Printable NCAA Tournament bracket for the start of the second round
South Carolina, USC and UConn have all looked dominant heading into the Round of 32CBS Sports - 3m -
2026 RB Wright plans to return to West Virginia
Gibraltar (Mi.) Carlson 2026 RB Izaiah Wright has been to West Virginia before but plans to return for another look.Yahoo Sports - 8m -
Is former All-Pro wide receiver an option for Commanders?
Could former All-Pro receiver be an option for Commanders.Yahoo Sports - 9m -
Steelers 7-round mock draft update: No QB edition
This new mock draft passes on a quarterback for the SteelersYahoo Sports - 9m -
New mock draft hits the mark for the Steelers
New mock draft hits the mark for the Steelers in the 1st round.Yahoo Sports - 9m